SotM at level 9? You sure did find some nice people!
[You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.] Makes me think my own smarmy strategy didn't work out so well, lol.
The step between Fine Steel and Banded is bronze. You can find some pieces that are as cheap as FS but have better stats/looks. One example is the Enameled Black Breastplate (25) ac or perhaps Silver Plated Leggings. The leggings only have 10ac but are dirt cheap at like 200pp.
Keep on keepin on bud.